Killed Sailor from USS Mahan Shooting Identified

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Mark A. Mayo, 24, was killed during a shooting incident at Naval Station Norfolk March 24.

Mayo was assigned to Naval Security Forces, Naval Station Norfolk. A Hagerstown, Md. native, Mayo enlisted in the Navy in October 2007 and reported to Naval Station Norfolk in May 2011.

“Petty Officer Mayo’s actions on Monday evening were nothing less than heroic. He selflessly gave his own life to ensure the safety of the Sailors on board USS Mahan (DDG 72),” said Capt. Robert E. Clark, Jr., commanding officer, Naval Station Norfolk. “Petty Officer Mayo’s family has endured a tremendous loss, as have the men and women of Naval Station Norfolk, in the loss of a shipmate and friend.”

The events of Monday evening are under investigation but it is known at approximately 11:20 p.m. there was a shooting on board Mahan at Pier 1. The suspect approached the Mahan’s quarterdeck and was confronted by the ship’s petty officer of the watch. A struggle occurred and the suspect was able to disarm the Sailor. Mayo, serving as the chief-of-the-guard, rendered assistance after seeing the suspect board the ship. Mayo put himself between the gunman and the petty officer of the watch and as a result was fatally wounded.

Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command appointed Rear Adm. Jeffrey Harley to lead an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deadly shooting aboard USS Mahan (DDG 72) at Naval Station Norfolk March 24.

Harley is currently serving as the president, Board of Inspection and Survey based in Norfolk.

Gortney said:”I have directed a second investigation to be conducted in addition to the law enforcement investigation led by Naval Criminal Investigative Service.”

The second investigation will be convened under the Manual of the Judge Advocate General. This investigation will be a comprehensive examination into the circumstances surrounding the Naval Station Norfolk shooting, to include a review of applicable policy, programs and implementation.

“The safety and security of our sailors, civilians and families is paramount, and it is imperative that we are taking all appropriate and necessary measures to ensure their safety,” said Gortney.

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Press Release, March 27, 2014; Image: US Navy